Raisi: Iran 'never has hope' in Vienna talks Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has struck a pessimistic tone commenting on the nuclear talks between Iran and world powers. Iran
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
Saudi Arabia building support for Expo 2030 bid The kingdom wants to host the international cultural forum, which is currently being held in Dubai. News Brief
Saudi IT industry to work with German software firm SAP on cloud technology The memorandum of understanding is the latest to come out of the LEAP technology forum in Riyadh, and reflects the kingdom’s diversification efforts. News Brief
Iran willing to continue dialogue with Ukraine over downed plane Ukraine has demonstrated an “unwillingness” to negotiate on compensation for the families of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, according to Iranian state media. News Brief
Houthi forces: Saudi artillery kills civilian The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen also said it bombed a training camp used by the Iran-backed forces. News Brief
Spanish leader promises COVID-19 vaccines to Egypt Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed a desire to increase trade with Egypt ahead of his visit to Cairo. News Brief
US 'concerned' over conviction of prominent Egyptian activist Hossam Bahgat avoided jail time but was ordered to pay a fine for "insulting" the country's National Election Authority. News Brief
Iraqi Kurdistan continues repatriation flights from Belarus Thousands of migrants have gotten stuck at the Belarus-Poland border this winter, many of them Kurds from Iraq. News Brief
Third Islamic State attack in three days hits northern Iraq The Kurdistan Region’s peshmerga forces suffer another attacked by Islamic State fighters. News Brief
Lebanese president visits Qatar amid Gulf crisis President Michel Aoun’s meetings in Doha focused on Lebanon-Qatar relations, soccer and the crisis between Lebanon and Gulf countries. News Brief
Israel approves $2.4 billion purchase of US CH-53 helicopters Israel is seeking to replace its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters over the next few years. Israel
MidEast states issue new travel restrictions as Omicron variant spreads Israel has announced a two-week ban on foreign nationals entering the country and Morocco has banned all incoming flights. Israel
Ethiopia denies role in deadly Sudan border attack The disputed al-Fashaqa border region risks becoming a regional flashpoint as Ethiopia descends into civil war. Sudan
Watch: Clock tower falls as storm rips through Istanbul As of Monday evening Turkish authorities had reported four deaths and dozens of injuries. News Brief
Erdogan to visit UAE next year Turkey and the United Arab Emirates appear to have repaired their relationship after years of strained ties over Syria, Libya and more. News Brief
